Iranian Americans Gather in Chicago for PAAIA Chapter Launch

Washington, DC, October 30, 2009 – The Chicago Chapter of PAAIA was launched October 24th at a luncheon held at Gibson’s in downtown Chicago. With approximately 100 Iranian Americans of diverse backgrounds and age groups in attendance, the event was organized by Chicago Chapter Leaders Neda Nabavi, Hermine Valizadeh, Melissa Riahei, Samira Jali, Areazue Hosseini and Mina Amir-Mokri. Babak Hoghooghi, Rudi Bakhtiar and Morad Ghorban gave presentations to inform the audience about various aspects of PAAIA’s mission, activities and accomplishments. Part of the presentation included a broadcast of the portrait of Dr. Pardis Sabeti, which many in the audience commented they found inspiring and impressive.

Of those in attendance, more than thirty people joined PAAIA at the conclusion of the event, and many more expressed commitment to joining the organization. Many among the younger generation in attendance, including those of diverse backgrounds including Jewish Iranian Americans and Assyrian Iranian Americans, expressed interest in becoming Chapter Leaders, becoming involved with PAAIA/NexGen or otherwise volunteering for PAAIA. All in all, the event was a notable success that has generated significant interest in PAAIA in the Chicago area.